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15/02/2006
Belfast Zoo to receive award
Belfast Zoo, in partnership with Queen's University's Scholl of Psychology, has today received a prestigious ward from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ for ‘Best Research Project’.
This is the highest award given by the BIAZA, and was given for the innovative research on ‘Auditory Enrichment for Zoo-housed Gorillas’.
Belfast Zoo, and the School of Psychology also received a commendation for their research on ‘Camouflaging Gorillas', which is used at their enclosure to prevent the animals from feeling that visitors are constantly watching them.
Dr Deborah Wells, from Queen's School of Psychology, said: “These exciting projects are part of a long-term partnership between the Zoo and Queen’s University, and these significant awards underline the outstanding work that has been generated by this exciting collaboration”.
Findings from the studies showed that the introduction of classical music, and a camouflage net barrier designed to reduce interruptions from visitors, had a positive effect on the welfare of the Zoo’s ‘gentle giants’, encouraging behaviours suggestive of relaxation.
The news of the award follows some other good news at the Zoo, following the birth of a rare Malayan tapir.
Andrew Hope, Curator of Belfast Zoo said: “This is our fifth surviving calf and he is a huge achievement for all the staff at Belfast Zoo, as we are only one of seventeen zoos in Europe to have these magnificent animals. There have only been four other Malayan tapir births in the last six months world wide”.
The parents of the new arrival, Gladys and Elmer, are currently on loan from Zoos in Canada and France as part of the world wide breeding programme.
Malayan tapirs are very rare, with fewer than 50 in European zoos and a global captive population of about 150 animals.
While scientists believe there are less than 3000 left in the wild, European zoos are establishing a sustainable captive population.
Mark Challis, manager of Belfast Zoo said that they are delighted to have these critically endangered species at Belfast Zoo and it is fantastic that it has such an exceptional breeding programme too.
(EF/SP)
This is the highest award given by the BIAZA, and was given for the innovative research on ‘Auditory Enrichment for Zoo-housed Gorillas’.
Belfast Zoo, and the School of Psychology also received a commendation for their research on ‘Camouflaging Gorillas', which is used at their enclosure to prevent the animals from feeling that visitors are constantly watching them.
Dr Deborah Wells, from Queen's School of Psychology, said: “These exciting projects are part of a long-term partnership between the Zoo and Queen’s University, and these significant awards underline the outstanding work that has been generated by this exciting collaboration”.
Findings from the studies showed that the introduction of classical music, and a camouflage net barrier designed to reduce interruptions from visitors, had a positive effect on the welfare of the Zoo’s ‘gentle giants’, encouraging behaviours suggestive of relaxation.
The news of the award follows some other good news at the Zoo, following the birth of a rare Malayan tapir.
Andrew Hope, Curator of Belfast Zoo said: “This is our fifth surviving calf and he is a huge achievement for all the staff at Belfast Zoo, as we are only one of seventeen zoos in Europe to have these magnificent animals. There have only been four other Malayan tapir births in the last six months world wide”.
The parents of the new arrival, Gladys and Elmer, are currently on loan from Zoos in Canada and France as part of the world wide breeding programme.
Malayan tapirs are very rare, with fewer than 50 in European zoos and a global captive population of about 150 animals.
While scientists believe there are less than 3000 left in the wild, European zoos are establishing a sustainable captive population.
Mark Challis, manager of Belfast Zoo said that they are delighted to have these critically endangered species at Belfast Zoo and it is fantastic that it has such an exceptional breeding programme too.
(EF/SP)
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